The EUbuzz Info Day was organized in Budva for high schools from southern municipalities, as part of the campaign aimed at bringing EU-related topics closer to young people, encouraging critical thinking, and motivating active participation in societal processes. Nearly 40 members of debate clubs from high schools in Budva, Bar, Kotor, Tivat, and Herceg Novi had the opportunity to learn about how the European Union functions, its values, and what it offers to young people. They also gained new skills essential for successfully debating EU-related topics.
The educational EUbuzz campaign is implemented by the Ministry of European Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, with financial support from the European Union (EU) through the EU4ME and European House projects. A total of 18 schools from 16 Montenegrin cities have registered to participate in the campaign.
“EUbuzz campaign began on October 7 with an Info Day in Podgorica. On October 14 we organized an Info Day in Berane for schools from the north. Today we are in Budva, gathering schools from the south. We are on EUbuzz caravan wit aim to presenti the EU to young people in a different, more accessible way, motivating them to become active members of their community and critically reflect on the world around them,” explained Jelena Kulidžan from the EU4ME project, which supports the MEP in promoting European integration processes.
During the Info Day, the “Handbook for BUZZing about the European Union,” prepared by Melita Rastoder Ljaić from the Ministry, was presented.
“The Handbook is designed for young people who want to better understand the European Union and its significance for Montenegro. Through a visually engaging overview of key information, the guide offers simple explanations of how the EU operates and what membership in this community brings to its citizens. We want young people to understand that they are the ones who will decide on the future of the European Union and shape it when Montenegro, hopefully soon, becomes part of the European community,” explained Rastoder Ljaić.
The participants also had the chance to learn new skills crucial for effective debating on European Union topics during a lecture by Krsto Vuković, head of the Debate Program of Montenegro.
“The best outcomes in acquiring knowledge often stem from questioning the subject matter, that is, critically considering the pros and cons. In the EUbuzz campaign debate formats will set essential requirements for gaining knowledge and key information about the functioning of the EU and Montenegro’s positioning in integration processes. Equally important these debates will raise awareness about democracy, the rule of law, responsibility, and other values and standards that we adopt personally as citizens,” said Vuković.
The students also spoke with Young European A21mbassadors Marija Blažević and Andrej Bubanja, who discussed the opportunities the EU offers to young people and shared how much it meant to them to better understand this community and the integration process. They also promoted the ongoing call for a new generation of young ambassadors.
This was the last of the three EUbuzz Info Days planned as part of the campaign. In the coming period all 18 participating schools will organize debate tournaments on EU topics to further expand the knowledge gained during the Info Days. The final event is scheduled to take place in Podgorica, where diplomas and awards will be presented to the winning teams.